It was hot today - but strolling through the City and along the River Thames path was yet another reminder that London is a great City with so much to see and enjoy. I couldn't have chosen a better day to take Sarah and the grandchildren for a walk through some of the paths and passageways on a route from the Tower to St. Paul's.
There were no complaints from Henry (8), Molly (7) and Isabelle (6) . No moans, no tears. As long as they were kept fed and watered, the interesting sights and historical snippets of London did the rest. The Guide was quite good as well!
We started near the Tower, saw the original Roman wall, the execution site on Tower Hill and then went on to St Margaret Pattens church in Eastcheap and rebuilt by Wren in 1686. We went inside and saw the pattens which the ladies wore on their feet to raise them above the muck and debris of the market streets. (pictured) The children wandered around the church, into the churchwarden pews and the pulpit. They were enthralled - so credit to the staff in the church who made it all possible.
We looked at the Monument, London Bridge and then took the Thames Path to the Millenium Bridge (pictured). After going over to the south side and back, we went up to St Paul's and into Paternoster Square - where we met their Dad, Stuart, during his lunchtime break. Everyone was eating out, enjoying the sun and chatting; it wasn't crowded...maybe recent events have kept people away from our City.
Then it was back down Cheapside, into the Royal Exchange, through the alleys near St Michael's, Cornhill and on to the vibrant Leadenhall Market where everyone was eating and drinking outside. The stalls were busy and the whole atmosphere was alive under this remarkable iron structure designed by Sir Horace Jones.
On the train back from Fenchurch Street, we had a little quiz. Who founded Toc H? Where did Samuel Pepys live? Name the two fresh-water rivers flowing into the Thames? What does Resurgam mean? Who created the statue in Paternoster Square? Where was the first coffee shop in London? And so it went on.
The journey back to Leigh went quickly - and three tired little people, with their Mum, knew a little more about London life, traditions and history. But it was worth it...so maybe I should organise another of these "Walking Classrooms"
1 comment:
Visiting London was a little like reliving fairy tales from my childhood. Growing up reading about a land filled with kings and queens, singing a song about the London Bridge, and being told in seventh grade Geography class that Thames is pronounced “Tims”, were enough to create in me the desire to visit this place at some point in my life. I am deeply grateful for being given the opportunity to travel to this amazing city. I was amazed of a quantity of Limousine London owners. I love going to Cities and getting lost in the history of the place, I can do that every day in London. Next time you go to London, open your eyes and look around you. It is like an another world.
Thanks David for your fascinating blog, pictures.
Keep up the great work!
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